Local authorities react to Ferguson decision

Local reaction to the Ferguson, Mo., grand jury not returning an indictment against a police officer, who shot and killed an unarmed teenager, has been mixed according to one local source.

Monday’s decision sparked protests in Los Angeles, Houston, New York and Atlanta among other major cities across the country.

Jerry G. Martin, pastor of Light of the World Christian Fellowship in Humble, said opinions among his congregants vary widely.

“There are as many mixed opinions in a black community as there are in any other community.

“There’s been some conversation generally in response to (the announcement). But there’s not been a lot of conversation about the overall case. The comments have been mixed. One of the comments I heard is ‘why do people burn down their own neighborhood. There’s a disconnect between what some view as an injustice and the response.”

Martin remembers what were known as the ‘race riots’ of the 1960s in places like Watts and Chicago.

While he does not expect demonstrations or unrest in the immediate area, he has an opinion on what causes the mistrust and anger.

“My personal thought is that people don’t feel empowered,” he said. “But to me, that goes back to the person, not the system or the culture.”

Another member of his congregation wondered about whether any of the people rioting actually voted.

“If you want change then work to change the system from within,” he said. “Your voice can not be heard if you’re not at the table.”

The Harris County Sheriff’s Department released a statement addressing the decision in Ferguson earlier in the week.

“While we understand that old wounds may have been opened by what has happened in Ferguson, this also serves as a reminder that protecting and meriting the public's trust is, and must remain, an ongoing effort, and is not to be taken for granted. Our collective experiences have taught us the value of mutual respect and embracing the diverse members of our community,” according to the statement.

Demonstrations that have sprung up since the grand jury decision was announced haven’t caused any local unrest.

“We want things to remain peaceful. It’s of the utmost importance that we maintain safety to insure the protection of people and their property... and we will do what is necessary to ensure it remains that way.”

While there have been no protests in the immediate area of Kingwood, there have been peaceful protests she said, in the Fifth Ward area of the city as well as downtown Houston.